The GENERAL CHEMISTRY SECTION provides analytical and technical services in the testing of samples for physical and aggregate properties, non-metallic inorganic compounds and organic aggregate constituents to help determine the suitability of drinking water for human consumption, effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems, and the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary waters. It also analyzes samples suspected of having toxic or hazardous effects.The testing is performed using a variety of state of the art instruments. This section also measures the Biochemical Oxygen Demand and chlorophyll content of water collected from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.The chlorophyll content of water is an important indication of the activity of algae and other organisms whose growth has harmful effects on water and wildlife.

Tests are performed using a variety of wet chemistry instrumentations. Testing techniques covered in this section include:

TEST / MATRIX

CONTAINER

SAMPLE SIZE

Preservation

PRESERVATION

METHOD

Alkalinity

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

14 days

APHA/

SM 2320 B

B.O.D.

Plastic

1000 mL

4° C

48 hours

EPA 405.1

T.O.C.

Plastic

500 mL

4° C pH < 2

28 days

EPA 415.2

Chloride

Plastic

500 mL

None

28 days

EPA 325.2

Chlorophyll

Filter

na

- 20° C, Dark

30 days

EPA 10200

Color

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

48 hours

EPA 110.2

Conductance

specific Plastic

500 ml

4° C

28 days

EPA 120.1/

SM 2510

Cyanide, Amenable

Plastic

500 mL

NaOH,

14 days

EPA 335.1

pH >12

Cyanide, Total

Plastic

500 mL

NaOH,

14 days

EPA 335.2

pH >12

Fluoride

Plastic

1L

None

28 days

APHA/

SM 4500-FC

MBAS (detergents)

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

48 hours

EPA 425.1

Oil and Grease

Glass, Teflon cap

1 L

4° C

28 days

EPA413.1/1664

H2SO4, pH <2

pH soil

Glass

8 oz

4° C

Immediately

EPA 150.1

Phenol

Glass Teflon cap

1L

4° C4° C

28 days

EPA 420.1

H2SO4, pH <2

Solids

(residue)

Dissolved

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

7 days

EPA 160.1

Total Suspended

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

7 days

EPA 160.2

Settleable

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

48 hours

EPA 160.5

Total

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

7 days

EPA 160.3

Volatile

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

7 days

EPA 160.4

Sulfate

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

28 days

EPA 375.2

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Glass

1 L

4° C

28 days

EPA 1664

H2SO4 or

HCl, pH <2

Turbidity

Plastic

500 mL

4° C

48 hours

EPA 180.1

Proper measurement techniques, calibration, verification, and troubleshooting strategies for each parameter are addressed and good laboratory practices are emphasized.

Potential Health Concerns and Environmental Concerns

Chemical analyses determine the suitability of drinking water for human consumption, effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems, and the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary waters. It also analyzes samples suspected of having toxic or hazardous effects.